The race against childhood cancer at the 4th Annual Brittiana “Smile For Life” 5k Run/Walk May 30, 2009 at Pacific Palisades High School, will bring the loving legacy that 13–year-old Brittiana Henderson left with the many people who knew her and her story.
Host, actor/comedian Chris Tucker, adored Brittiana’s courage and her love for others – he often refers to her as his “little sister”. Co-host Keke Palmer – star of “True Jackson, VP” – is excited about participating in this year’s event and ecstatic to be racing against childhood cancer.
At the age of 10 Brittiana was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Courageously, she fought this disease and was like any other cancer patient, subdued to the confinements of the hospital. She painfully underwent chemotherapy and partial knee replacement surgery, in which never stopped her love from shining through the hospital walls. Remaining optimistic about her own struggle, Brittiana would visit other children in the hospital offering hugs, smiles, love and reading stories (her favorite).
With the help and support of Brittiana’s parents Jamie and Shirell Henderson, they organized a non–profit organization called BrittiCares International with that same infectious love to help others. Brittiana was able to attend the 1st annual Brittiana “Smile For Life” 5k run/walk in 2006, as her battle with cancer came to an end January 31, 2007. Her legacy lives on two years later as celebrities, communities, family, friends and organizations, all gear up for the race to help children stricken with cancer, leukemia, sickle cell anemia and other serious blood diseases.
The “Smile For Life” 5k run/walk proceeds go toward BrittiCares’ uplifting programs which focus on improving the quality of life for children battling for a chance at life. Before the race begins, an opening ceremony will take place, including a song, dance, and dedication lap with all patients, survivors and Angelinos that have succumb to cancer. For those participating in the competition race, chip timers will be provided. Following the race will be family fun, games, raffles, performances, shopping and much more.
Other celebrity guest appearances will be former NBA player and NASCAR racer Derek Strong of Strong Racing, along with his speedy race car. NFL’s Chester Pitts of the Houston Texans and NBA’s Bryon Russell of the Utah Jazz will also attend. Teen celebrities lending their support include Chelsea Tavares, Tyler Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”), Kofi Siriboe (“The Longshots”), Kwame Boateng (“Not Easily Broken”), Kwesi Boakye (“I Can Do Bad All By Myself” & “Men of a Certain Age”) and many more.
More info can be found at the BrittiCares Website.
